Elmedin Kikanovic

Elmedin Kikanovic stepped up big for Red Star in the ULEB Cup’s Eight Finals, becoming the premier scorer on the team during the two-legged series. In those two games, he averaged 17.5 points (combining for a terrific 15/20 from the field) and 5.5 rebounds in barely 24 minutes, although his team ended up losing against a rather strong Besiktas. A few days later, he recorded a career-high 19 points, with 4 rebounds, to lead Red Star over Zadar. Back to the ULEB Cup, Kikanovic again showed his superb ability to finish around the rim. Still very skinny, he got easily outmuscled in the low post, in rebounding situations or whenever there was contact –he had to battle with the likes of Predrag Drobnjak or Kaya Peker, but he still managed to produce thanks to his very solid off-the-ball game, his good hands and excellent touch. He seems to be making solid strides with his mid-range jumper, while he showcased again his soft touch around the rim with his right-handed jumphook, his good footwork on the lane and his nice ability to finish with dunks as he takes advantage of his great length. His poor frame is likely slowing down his physical development, but he might be quite an interesting guy down the road, at least for European basketball.

Elmedin Kikanovic had a breakout week showing up with strong games for Red Star both in the ULEB Cup and Adriatic League. With 15 points against Dynamo Moscow and another 18 against Geoplin Slovan, he showcased his ability to put the ball in the net. Standing 6-11 and enjoying long arms, the 1988-born Kikanovic is a physically underdeveloped inside player, who looks really skinny and indeed suffers against physical play, particularly on the defensive end. However, he’s guy who doesn’t back off contact, and tries to stay aggressive. It’s particularly evident on the offensive end, where he shows excellent ability to finish continuations and anything that falls in his lap near the basket, not hesitating to throw himself against the rival to get closer to the basket, and still being able to convert the two points despite the contact. He also seems pretty skilled with his right-handed jumphook, and there’s some promise in his mid-range stroke. On the other hand, he’s still not much of a rebounder, usually getting outmuscled, but he could have some decent potential here down the road, as he nicely throws both arms up in the air and might end up with good hands once they get stronger, although he needs to show more activity hitting the glass.